# argue

/ˈɑɹɡju/ (US) · /ˈɑːɡjuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/argue
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to disagree angrily

verb · CEFR A2

to speak to someone in an angry way because you disagree with them.

For teachers: to engage in a verbal dispute or quarrel, typically characterized by emotional intensity or interpersonal friction.

- The couple started to argue about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
- The neighbours frequently argue over the exact boundary of their properties, though neither has sought a professional survey to resolve the matter.

Usage: Intransitive in this sense; usually takes 'with' for the person and 'about' or 'over' for the topic.

### 2. to give reasons

verb · CEFR B1 · Academic

to give reasons for your opinion to try to convince other people.

For teachers: to present reasons or evidence in support of a specific idea, action, or theory.

- She argued that the city needs more parks for children to play in.
- The lead researcher argued that the data clearly indicated a correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults.

Usage: Often followed by a 'that' clause or the preposition 'for' or 'against'.

### 3. to suggest or show

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to show that something is probably true.

For teachers: to provide grounds for a specific conclusion; to indicate or imply a certain state of affairs.

- The success of the project argues for a larger budget next year.
- The sudden shift in consumer behaviour argues a deeper dissatisfaction with the current market leaders than previously suspected.

## Examples

- My parents often argue about what to eat for dinner.
- The lawyers will argue that the new evidence proves their client is innocent.
- While some critics argue that the film's pacing is too slow, others maintain that the deliberate speed is essential for building tension.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.